Posted on Jan 04

49ers' Williams, Pearsall out vs. Seahawks; Kittle, White active for crucial divisional matchup

Posted Jan 4, 2026

#seahawks #trent-williams #injury #49ers

The San Francisco 49ers face significant challenges as they prepare to meet the Seattle Seahawks in a pivotal clash for the NFC West division title, with key injuries impacting their lineup.

Why it matters: The outcome of this game not only determines the NFC West champion but also secures the No. 1 seed in the NFC, granting home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and a coveted first-round bye.

With both teams vying for postseason positioning, the stakes couldn’t be higher; the winner will solidify its path to the Super Bowl.

What’s new: The 49ers will be without left tackle Trent Williams and receiver Ricky Pearsall for this critical matchup.

Williams, a cornerstone of the offensive line, has been ruled out due to a right hamstring injury that kept him from practicing all week.
Pearsall, who has made significant contributions this season with 36 receptions for 528 yards, is sidelined once again, marking his eighth missed game of the year.

Yes, but: Despite these absences, the 49ers are bolstered by the return of tight end George Kittle and defensive lineman Keion White, both of whom were listed as questionable earlier in the week.

Kittle’s presence will be crucial for quarterback Brock Purdy, who benefits from Kittle's ability to create mismatches in the passing game and provide blocking support in the run scheme.

What to watch: The performance of rookie left tackle Austen Pleasants, stepping in for Williams, will be a critical focal point.

This will mark Pleasants' first NFL start, placing him in a high-pressure situation against a formidable Seahawks pass rush led by linebacker Uchenna Nwosu and defensive end Darrell Taylor.

Between the lines: Head coach Kyle Shanahan has expressed caution regarding Williams’ recovery, emphasizing the need to balance playoff preparation with player health.

"I definitely don't want to lose any players for the following week knowing we're in the playoffs," Shanahan stated, indicating that player longevity is a priority even in this must-win scenario.

The bottom line: As the 49ers navigate these injury challenges, their depth and adaptability will be tested against a Seahawks team eager to reclaim the division crown.

The interplay between the 49ers’ offense, which relies heavily on skilled personnel like Kittle, and the Seahawks' defensive resilience could ultimately dictate the game's outcome.

49ers' Williams, Pearsall out vs. Seahawks; Kittle, White active for crucial divisional matchup

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 4, 2026

The San Francisco 49ers face significant challenges as they prepare to meet the Seattle Seahawks in a pivotal clash for the NFC West division title, with key injuries impacting their lineup.

With both teams vying for postseason positioning, the stakes couldn’t be higher; the winner will solidify its path to the Super Bowl.

What’s new: The 49ers will be without left tackle Trent Williams and receiver Ricky Pearsall for this critical matchup.

Williams, a cornerstone of the offensive line, has been ruled out due to a right hamstring injury that kept him from practicing all week.

Pearsall, who has made significant contributions this season with 36 receptions for 528 yards, is sidelined once again, marking his eighth missed game of the year.

Yes, but: Despite these absences, the 49ers are bolstered by the return of tight end George Kittle and defensive lineman Keion White, both of whom were listed as questionable earlier in the week.

Kittle’s presence will be crucial for quarterback Brock Purdy, who benefits from Kittle's ability to create mismatches in the passing game and provide blocking support in the run scheme.

What to watch: The performance of rookie left tackle Austen Pleasants, stepping in for Williams, will be a critical focal point.

This will mark Pleasants' first NFL start, placing him in a high-pressure situation against a formidable Seahawks pass rush led by linebacker Uchenna Nwosu and defensive end Darrell Taylor.

Between the lines: Head coach Kyle Shanahan has expressed caution regarding Williams’ recovery, emphasizing the need to balance playoff preparation with player health.

"I definitely don't want to lose any players for the following week knowing we're in the playoffs," Shanahan stated, indicating that player longevity is a priority even in this must-win scenario.

The bottom line: As the 49ers navigate these injury challenges, their depth and adaptability will be tested against a Seahawks team eager to reclaim the division crown.

The interplay between the 49ers’ offense, which relies heavily on skilled personnel like Kittle, and the Seahawks' defensive resilience could ultimately dictate the game's outcome.